Sandbanks in Dorset has been named the UK's most expensive seaside town, with an average house price of nearly £665,000, according to a report by Halifax. Salcombe in Devon came second, where the average home costs £539,950.
The Halifax Seaside Town Review, which analysed house price data from the Land Registry and the Registers of Scotland, found that eight of the top ten most expensive seaside towns are located in south-west England. Other high-value locations include Padstow, Dartmouth, Fowey, St Mawes and Wadebridge.
In contrast, the least expensive seaside town is Port Bannatyne on the Isle of Bute, Scotland, where the average house price is £77,132. Scotland dominates the list of cheapest seaside towns, with Girvan, Campbeltown, Stranraer, Invergordon and Rothesay also featuring.
Halifax noted that house prices in British seaside towns have increased by an average of £440 per month over the last decade. The average property price in these areas rose by 32% from £166,565 in 2006 to £219,386 in 2016.
Martin Ellis, a housing economist at Halifax, said: 'Seaside towns are highly popular places to live, offering sought-after scenery, weather and lifestyle which no doubt come at a price. They also attract those looking for holiday properties, which add upward pressure on house prices.'
